More money saving tips
So if money saving is your game, you may want to start with this entry, or perhaps this one.
Here are a few more money saving tips.
Go for the less expensive alternative
While some people can tell the difference between a brand name product and a non-brand name when it comes to food and drinks, it may be more difficult to tell the difference between two dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, or 100% cotton black socks. Decide what you must have in the more expensive form and any other things that you aren’t so picky about, switch to the less expensive version. Most stores now proudly display their store brand alternatives alongside the well-known brand name in the hopes you’ll give the cheaper alternative a try. Why not try it: if you can tell the difference, switch back but if it’s all the same to you, or if you like the store brand better, bonus!
Keep in mind how quickly little purchases add up
In the last entry, I mentioned how it pays to think twice about making large purchases but what about those regular purchases that you make without thinking about it (them)? Gourmet coffee, the afternoon donut, candies to keep the sweet tooth alive and well, these are all things that become more habit than satisfying a biological need (I will argue feebly that subduing my sweet tooth is now a biological need). Keep a running tally on how much you spend in one week on these little things: one dollar here, two dollars there, and you may find you’re losing upwards of $20 a week!
Never buy anything marked at full price
This tip is related to thinking twice before buying something: tell yourself that you can’t even consider buying something until it is discounted by a certain amount: perhaps 25% will be your magic number. Feel free to keep a careful eye on the item, checking regularly as the price drops (and we know prices drop, it’s only a matter of time). And as often happens, the waiting process will force you to evaluate how badly you want the item and you might find the item slips off your “to buy” list.
Let me know what you think of these tips, and if you have any foolproof money saving tips.
money, spending less, saving, money saving, saving money wealth
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June 5th, 2007 at 5:29 am
NOT foolproof, but here’s something I do:
If I think I’m about to make an impulse buy, I’ll try to NOT take the “cool top” (or whatever it is)- go home, and if I’m still REALLY thinking about it after a day or two - then I’ll go back and get it.
Sometimes I’ll find that I either can’t be bothered, or I’ve even forgotten about it already - so saved myself some money on that impulse buy… can’t have wanted/needed it that much!
Of course this sometimes doesn’t work with sale stuff - might be gone by the time you decide to go back for it.
June 5th, 2007 at 5:34 am
Whoops! Didn’t see your previous post first, where you’ve already suggested this
You might as well delete these 2 comments if you can! 
June 13th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I buy lots of my stuff from charity shops. Nearly all my books are from there, most in new condition but picked up for a $ or 2.
And I’ve been able to buy designer shirts for about $10 which would have set me back nearer $100 if bought new.
August 14th, 2007 at 11:37 am
I like the “why not try it, you can always go back” attitude of your first suggestion. For instance, we’ve found that the store brand of powdered chocolate milk is an awful substitute, but we like the generic raisin bran better than any of the name brands.
I’ve also had good success with the “why not try it, you can always go back” spirit in reducing usage of things like laundry detergent and dish soap. I’ve reduced the amount used for each load until I’ve found the point that is not enough, and then increased it just slightly so that it is enough. I was surprised at how much less is actually needed to do the job well than the scoop would have you believe!